Dr. Matt Ware is an ecologist investigating the interaction of coastal change and
animal behavior, population dynamics, and conservation management using in situ, remote,
and computational methods. The main goal of his work is to find better ways for us
to balance the human use and continued function of coastal ecosystems. To do so, he
has worked on a wide array of coastal conservation issues, ranging from coral reef
restoration in the Florida Keys to sea turtle habitat suitability in North Carolina,
often integrating students, citizen science NGOs, and state and federal management
partners. Out in the field, he is an FAA-qualified drone pilot, PADI Master SCUBA
Diver Trainer, DAN instructor, and avid photographer. Dr. Ware uses these skills in
his outreach to the public with respect to critical conservation issues. In particular,
his photographs have been published in outlets such as National Geographic, been on
display at the British Natural History Museum, and been honored in the international
Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.
Professional Memberships:
- Society for Conservation Biology
- Society for Conservation GIS
- Ecological Society of America
- International Sea Turtle Society
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Education
Toggle Education
- Ph.D. in Biological Oceanography, Florida State University
- M.Sc. in Marine Biology and Marine Environmental Science, Nova Southeastern University
- B.Sc. in Biology, Christopher Newport University
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Specialties
Toggle SpecialtiesWildlife Biology, Marine Ecology, Spatial Analyses and Modeling
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Research and Teaching Interests
Toggle Research and Teaching InterestsThe coastal zone, particularly here in Southwest Florida, is a biologically diverse
and economically important region with overlapping (and often conflicting) management
demands. The main goal of my work then is to find better ways for us to balance our
human use of these coastal ecosystems with their sustained proper function. To do
so, my research revolves around several core themes:
- Habitat mapping and suitability modeling
- Animal behavior, particularly in response to human pressures
- Population dynamics of species of conservation concern
- Human-wildlife interactions and management actions
Though I primarily approach these themes using sea turtles as a model species, the
underlying questions and techniques are not limited strictly to sea turtle conservation.
Investigations with other marine, aquatic, and terrestrial megafauna and habitats
are always welcome. Students (both undergraduate and graduate), citizen science groups,
and local, state, and federal management agencies are frequent and invaluable partners
in these efforts. Here at FGCU, students have the opportunity to design their own
projects tailored to their academic and career interests through directed independent
studies and Honors theses, participate in course-integrated research, or volunteer
with ongoing projects. I also oversee the FGCU sea turtle nesting internship program
on Cayo Costa and Don Pedro Island State Parks in partnership with the Florida Department
of Environmental Protection.
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Courses Offered
Toggle Courses OfferedBSC 4052 Conservation Biology
BSC 4405 Sea Turtle Biology
BSC 1010C General Biology with Lab I
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Publications
Toggle PublicationsMy work has resulted in 16 peer-reviewed publications in journals such as Biological
Conservation, Endangered Species Research, Frontiers in Marine Science, Remote Sensing,
and PLOS One. I have also been the lead or co-author of several IUCN Marine Turtle
Specialist Group publication chapters. Though manuscripts are the common currency
in academic circles, science communication extends far beyond this medium. As an avid
photographer, I use images of my work in outreach to the public with respect to critical
conservation issues. In particular, my photos have been published in outlets such
as National Geographic and the Guardian, been on display at the National Aquarium
of New Zealand and the British Natural History Museum, and been honored in the international
Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.
Please see my CV for specific details.
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Conference Presentations
Toggle Conference PresentationsI am a regular attendee of the International Sea Turtle Symposium and the US Southeast
Regional Sea Turtle Meeting, and served as a program chair for the 41st International
Sea Turtle Symposium in Cartagena, Colombia. Other presentations have included the
Ocean Sciences Meeting, media interviews, and a TEDx talk.
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Grants & Awards
Toggle Grants & AwardsPrevious funding supporting my work has come from the Florida Sea Turtle License Plate
Grant program, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Endangered
Species Act Section 6 grants, and internal university programs.